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How to Fix OneNote for iPad Switching from Drawing to Text Mode
Question details
The user needs to stop OneNote from automatically reverting to text mode while trying to use the Apple Pencil for drawing and selecting tools.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Taking notes or annotating using the Apple Pencil with drawing tools like Lasso and Add Space in the OneNote iPad application.
- Observed behavior
- The application unexpectedly switches from all drawing tools to Text mode, often prompting the keyboard to appear and disrupting the user's workflow.
Ensure that your Apple Pencil is fully charged and securely paired with your iPad via Bluetooth before adjusting application settings.
Disable the Apple Pencil Scribble Feature
Turning off the Scribble feature in iPadOS settings is the most effective temporary workaround for this mode-switching bug.
The Scribble feature is designed to automatically convert handwriting to text. However, it can conflict with OneNote's drawing mechanics in certain updates (such as version 16.72), forcing the app out of drawing mode.
Navigate to your iPad's home screen and tap on the 'Settings' application gear icon.
Scroll down the left-hand sidebar menu and tap on 'Apple Pencil'.
Locate the 'Scribble' toggle switch on the right side of the screen and tap it to turn the feature off.
Force close the Microsoft OneNote app by swiping it up from the App Switcher, then reopen it to verify if the drawing mode remains active.
Repeatedly Tap the Desired Drawing Tool
A quick in-app technique to force OneNote to lock onto your selected drawing tool without changing global iPad settings.
Update OneNote and iPadOS
Installing the latest software patches can permanently resolve known version-specific bugs causing tool glitches.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Note-Taking and PDF Annotation on iPad
If ongoing OneNote glitches are interrupting your university work or daily productivity, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly stable, lightweight environment for editing documents and annotating PDFs with your Apple Pencil, without unexpected tool switching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneNote keep switching to text mode when I use my Apple Pencil?
This issue is commonly caused by a known software bug in certain OneNote updates (like version 16.72) where the app conflicts with the iPadOS Scribble feature, mistakenly attempting to convert your drawing inputs into typed text.
Will reinstalling the OneNote app fix the Apple Pencil glitch?
Reinstalling the app can clear corrupted local cache files, which sometimes helps. However, if the bug is rooted in a specific version's code, reinstalling the same version may not resolve it until Microsoft releases a patch.
How do I report this drawing tool bug to Microsoft?
You can report the issue directly from your iPad by opening OneNote, tapping your profile icon or the Settings gear, and selecting 'Send Feedback'. Be sure to mention your specific OneNote version and iPadOS version.
